KAHIKINUI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Firefighters on Maui are responding to an active brush fire in the Kahikinui area around Mile Marker 24.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency alerted residents in the area around 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, asking them to avoid the area.
Officials reported that the fire is around 16 to 20 acres in size. In a social media post, Maui Fire Department said strong winds are pushing the fire up the mountain.
Officials said multiple MFD units, Air 1, tankers and heavy equipment are heading to the fire.
MEMA issued an emergency evacuation order an hour later, instructing all homes makai of the highway to leave immediately as there is “a dangerous threat to life and property.”
According to Maui police, the road leading from Hana towards Ulupalakua will be shut down to “minimize traffic through the fire area for the safety of the public and responders.”
This is a developing story. KHON2 will provide more information as details become available.